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Borovets Travel Guide

A fantastic holiday destination, Borovets is the oldest and
biggest ski resort in Bulgaria, situated on the northern slopes of
the Rila Mountains at the foot of Moussala, the highest peak in the
country. Nestled among old pine forests, the resort was founded in
1896 as a hunting lodge for kings and aristocrats and gradually
developed into a modern resort with luxury hotels, restaurants and
a superb network of ski runs varying in difficulty. There is also a
wide choice of off-slope entertainment and nightlife as well as
organised trips to places of interest in the Rila Mountains.
Winters are mild and snowy and the air is clean, clear and
invigorating.

The ski slopes are divided into two main sectors, with the
Markoudjik sector offering the best skiing above the tree line,
including the highest ski point reaching 8,333ft (2,540m). Borovets
has a total of 22 miles (35km) of ski pistes, and has recently
installed new lift facilities with lighting and sound systems,
which allows for night skiing and snowboarding. The resort also
boasts modern snowmaking machines ensuring that conditions stay
excellent. Snowboarders enjoy the Rotata half-pipe with a vertical
drop of 1,050ft (320m), suitable for advanced riders at its upper
end and beginners at the lower end. The Borovets Ski School has an
excellent reputation for skiers who need a bit of help.

Shopping in Borovets has improved greatly in recent years
following a burst in popularity for the resort. The busy shopping
street in front of the Rila Hotel is a beehive of open-fronted
small shops, with a colourful market atmosphere, selling all sorts
of goods from ski gear and souvenirs to cigarettes and cheap CDs.
Most visitors find prices here much lower than elsewhere in
Europe.

Eating out in Borovets is generally very good value, as prices
are much lower than in many other European ski resorts. The number
of taverns, eat-in pubs, take away joints and outdoor restaurants
seems to be growing in Borovets every season, and holidaymakers can
take full advantage of the diverse dining scene. The choice has
become very eclectic, from Kentucky Fried Chicken and pizza to
traditional Bulgarian favourites. Visitors should not forget to
indulge in some of the Bulgarian fine wines along with their
dinner.

Every night is party time when it comes to Borovets' nightlife,
as it has a reputation for being one of the hotspots on the
European ski circuit and a popular destination with energetic
holidaymakers. The fun is fuelled by the fact that drinks are
cheap, there are long happy hours, and sometimes drinks are even
offered for free. All the bars, clubs and discos serve well-known
international brands as well as local beers like Astika, Zagorka
and Kamenitza. Beware the national drink, rakia: it is a rather
strong variety of plum brandy and not for the faint of heart.

Off the ski slopes Borovets has all the usual amenities of a
winter holiday resort, and many hotels offering indoor swimming
pools, saunas and gyms. Night skiing is often available from 5pm to
10pm. Visitors can also take excursions to nearby resorts or places
of interest, like the Rila Monastery. Ice-skating and skidoos are
also an option for chilly fun in the sun.

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Borovets Travel Guide

A fantastic holiday destination, Borovets is the oldest and
biggest ski resort in Bulgaria, situated on the northern slopes of
the Rila Mountains at the foot of Moussala, the highest peak in the
country. Nestled among old pine forests, the resort was founded in
1896 as a hunting lodge for kings and aristocrats and gradually
developed into a modern resort with luxury hotels, restaurants and
a superb network of ski runs varying in difficulty. There is also a
wide choice of off-slope entertainment and nightlife as well as
organised trips to places of interest in the Rila Mountains.
Winters are mild and snowy and the air is clean, clear and
invigorating.

The ski slopes are divided into two main sectors, with the
Markoudjik sector offering the best skiing above the tree line,
including the highest ski point reaching 8,333ft (2,540m). Borovets
has a total of 22 miles (35km) of ski pistes, and has recently
installed new lift facilities with lighting and sound systems,
which allows for night skiing and snowboarding. The resort also
boasts modern snowmaking machines ensuring that conditions stay
excellent. Snowboarders enjoy the Rotata half-pipe with a vertical
drop of 1,050ft (320m), suitable for advanced riders at its upper
end and beginners at the lower end. The Borovets Ski School has an
excellent reputation for skiers who need a bit of help.

Shopping in Borovets has improved greatly in recent years
following a burst in popularity for the resort. The busy shopping
street in front of the Rila Hotel is a beehive of open-fronted
small shops, with a colourful market atmosphere, selling all sorts
of goods from ski gear and souvenirs to cigarettes and cheap CDs.
Most visitors find prices here much lower than elsewhere in
Europe.

Eating out in Borovets is generally very good value, as prices
are much lower than in many other European ski resorts. The number
of taverns, eat-in pubs, take away joints and outdoor restaurants
seems to be growing in Borovets every season, and holidaymakers can
take full advantage of the diverse dining scene. The choice has
become very eclectic, from Kentucky Fried Chicken and pizza to
traditional Bulgarian favourites. Visitors should not forget to
indulge in some of the Bulgarian fine wines along with their
dinner.

Every night is party time when it comes to Borovets' nightlife,
as it has a reputation for being one of the hotspots on the
European ski circuit and a popular destination with energetic
holidaymakers. The fun is fuelled by the fact that drinks are
cheap, there are long happy hours, and sometimes drinks are even
offered for free. All the bars, clubs and discos serve well-known
international brands as well as local beers like Astika, Zagorka
and Kamenitza. Beware the national drink, rakia: it is a rather
strong variety of plum brandy and not for the faint of heart.

Off the ski slopes Borovets has all the usual amenities of a
winter holiday resort, and many hotels offering indoor swimming
pools, saunas and gyms. Night skiing is often available from 5pm to
10pm. Visitors can also take excursions to nearby resorts or places
of interest, like the Rila Monastery. Ice-skating and skidoos are
also an option for chilly fun in the sun.